Dr. Edward Zimmerman opened with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the honor of being named the 2025 Webster Lecturer, a prestigious title that connects him with the legacy of Dr. Richard Webster, a pioneer in aesthetic medicine and cosmetic surgery. He profoundly reflected on Dr. Webster’s vision of inclusivity, innovation, and generosity, and expressed gratitude for the mentors and colleagues who shaped his journey. Dr. Zimmerman noted that, while he was born too late to personally learn from Dr. Webster, he greatly benefited from those who worked with him or were trained by his students.
He also highlighted that he is the first non-core member, aside from an attorney, to be acknowledged for this position, which added to the honor of receiving the award. Dr. Zimmerman delved into Dr. Webster’s legacy, particularly his founding role in the American Society of Aesthetic Surgery, the American Academy of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and his presidency of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Webster was credited with raising the bar for safety and excellence in cosmetic surgery, a philosophy that continues to influence our Academy today. Dr. Zimmerman emphasized the significance of the Cosmetic Surgery Foundation and its role in funding education, research, and patient safety, acknowledging the many contributors who support these initiatives. Dr. Zimmerman touched on the sometimes surreal and contentious nature of the cosmetic surgery field, where issues like turf wars, misinformation, and regulatory challenges persist, yet innovation and collaboration thrive.
Dr. Zimmerman recognized that his own journey in cosmetic surgery is often demanding and requires resisting the allure of convenience and conformity. He emphasized the importance of questioning accepted norms and striving for continuous improvement, despite inevitable mistakes. He shared lessons learned from his mentors and colleagues, highlighting the
value of valuing time, being willing to challenge the status quo, and learning from mistakes. Dr. Zimmerman spoke about the importance of collaboration, and how mentors both guide and challenge us, showing us what to do and what not to do.
Next, Dr. Zimmerman shifted to the future of cosmetic surgery and a hot topic in the field right now: the role of artificial intelligence (AI). He discussed the potential benefits and challenges of AI, suggesting that it could revolutionize the way procedures are done by improving accuracy, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
However, he also warned of the ethical concerns and potential risks, such as the loss of the physician-patient relationship, algorithmic biases, and the threat of obsolescence for medical professionals. He called for an embrace of AI while maintaining the critical role of human expertise and judgment in the field, advocating for further exploration of AI and regenerative medicine in future lectures.
And then Dr. Zimmerman sprung on the audience that AI wrote his speech, in effect providing a real-time lesson in its capabilities. Ultimately, Dr. Zimmerman underscored the importance of creating a future that honors Dr. Webster’s legacy, rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. He stressed that as the field evolves, cosmetic surgeons must continue to be learners, teachers, and creators of a safer, more effective future in aesthetic medicine. He emphasized that mistakes aren’t just inevitable, they’re steppingstones to getting better. The speech concluded with a reminder that while the future may bring challenges and uncertainties, it also presents opportunities for growth and transformation, and it is up to the community to shape it proactively.